Connecticut

New London Transient Docking Expected to Help Southeastern Connecticut Tourism

A New London marina unveiled a new dock Friday that will bring in short-term boaters and help boost tourism in the southeastern region.

Thamesport Marina Owner Ari Yasgur, with the help of a $1.4 million grant from the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, funded the new transient dock where recreational boaters can stay docked for the day – up to 15 days and nights – and then sail off. It can hold up to 54 recreational vessels.

“I think it will be amazing for this area,” Yasgur said.

The idea is to bring new visitors to the southeastern shoreline from in state and out.

These types of transient docks are in high demand. What makes this one unique is that it can host vessels exceeding 100 feet or more. Plus, it’s the first transient concrete floating dock in the state – which higher-end boaters are looking for.

“People pull up and they don’t know where to park for restaurants they do want to visit because these are great restaurants right here,” said Thamesport Marina General Manager Jen Chiappone.

You can see the new dock from Stash Schiavone’s restaurant On The Waterfront. He’s hoping this means boaters stop for the day and come in for a bite.

“More boats, more people, more enthusiasm, it helps everybody. Not just us. It helps downtown,” Schiavone said.

Already it’s sparked economic development. Sellfish is opening on Thamesport Marina property. The restaurant is planning to offer dockside service and potentially water service on jet skis, according to co-owner Ozzie Ozkan.

“Thinking about Sailfest – a lot of traffic, boat traffic – they can’t get in the dock but they park outside and we can serve them,” Ozkan said.

Gov.Dannel Malloy, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Joe Courtney, New London Mayor Michael Passero and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee were all present for the ribbon cutting.

Malloy said New London is aware of its attributes. The state needs to continue being a good partner because in benefits everyone. In the case, more jobs and a larger tax base.

The project was managed by DEEP.

“We have long been successful at providing boat launch access for smaller recreational boats, and now with the support of the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, we are able to provide the same high-quality access for larger recreational vessels,” Klee said in a press release.

Since 2000, the state of Connecticut has issued 13 grants for the construction of transient boating facilities including slips and mooring.

“Recreational boating is more than fun – it’s an economic anchor of our maritime economy,” Blumenthal said in a press release.

“This federal investment in New London is going to go a long way to helping revitalize the port and spur additional tourism in the area,” Courtney said.

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